What Is GraffLab? 

PSAA’s GraffLab is a positive, affirming environment where teens feel empowered to express themselves through street art.

This new summer workshop continues PSAA’s mission to empower teens through creative expression in public space, nurturing personal growth, community connections, and artistic leadership. The workshop builds on the success of PSAA’s previous youth programs - Street ED (2021) and YAE! Camp (2018-2019) - and represents a key step toward developing a scalable, community-rooted youth arts education model. 

Workshop DETAILS

WORKSHOP DATE: Monday, August 11, 2025, 10am-4pm
APPLICATIONS OPEN: June 25, 2025 (15 spots)
LOCATION: 1615 SE 3rd Ave., Portland, Oregon

GraffLab is a one-day immersive street art workshop in August 2025 for co-ed high school-aged youth (13–17 years old). The workshop will take place at the Electric Blocks (1615 SE 3rd Ave., Portland, Oregon) in Portland’s Central Eastside, utilizing both an indoor classroom space and an adjacent outdoor garage and parking lot area for artmaking.

This workshop is designed to engage up to 15 co-ed teens in hands-on activities that explore:

• Street and graffiti art history 

• Hands-on spray painting techniques 

• How to plan for and design a mural

• Other mural-making tips and tricks!  

INSTRUCTORS

GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr. Hunter Shobe
PSU Professor, PSAA Board Member

Dr. Hunter Shobe is a Geography Professor at Portland State University. His courses focus on cultural geography, sense of place, urban landscapes, public space, and geographies of graffiti. Dr. Shobe has written several academic journal articles including “Zero Graffiti for a Beautiful City: The Cultural Politics of Urban Space in San Francisco” and “Geographies of Graffiti Abatement: Zero Tolerance in Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.” Hunter assists PSAA with hosting interpretive street art walking tours. He is the father of two teen girls.

Tiffany Conklin
PSAA Executive Director

PSAA Executive Director, Tiffany Conklin, founded PSAA in 2012, along with the President of the Board of Directors, Tomás Valladares. Tiffany has over two decades of professional research experience, including 16 years managing projects at PSU. Tiffany holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, and a Master’s of Urban Studies, with a specialty focus on Public Space. She manages the daily operations of PSAA, including commissioned work, community projects, public policy consultation, and a variety of public engagement activities, including street art tours and painting tutorials.

DeAngelo Raines
EVENT PRODUCER, DJ, PSAA Board Member

DeAngelo “DeLo” Raines is a 3rd-generation Portlander, a producer, DJ, contemporary artist, and art director. DeLo has supported new and emerging brands, artists, and music performers for decades as a native third-generation Portlander. A recognized member of Portland’s nightlife, music, art, and entertainment communities. Previous initiatives include SERVICE, an underground venue for film, photography, and events; and ART NOT CRIME, a community organization built to teach underserved youth art through the lens of graffiti.

APPLICATION + SCHOLARSHIPS

Workshop spots are open to all teens, with GraffLab prioritizing access for underserved and at-risk youth. This workshop breaks down barriers that often prevent low-income teens from accessing quality arts education. Through hands-on street art instruction, participants develop technical skills, build confidence, and discover their creative voice. The collaborative nature of public art fosters community connection and gives young people a meaningful way to contribute to their neighborhoods, cultivating both artistic ability and a sense of purpose.

PRICING & EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

8 Regular Spots: $150

7 Need-Based Scholarship Spots: Free

REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT: All participants must bring a properly-fitted paint respirator mask (approximately $30 at hardware or paint stores). PSAA recommends the 3M Half Mask Respirator or similar model to ensure safe participation.

APPLY NOW! Space IS very limited.

• Applications close on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

• Participants will be notified by email on or by Friday, July 18, 2025 if they are selected for this year’s workshop.

• Workshop fees (if applicable) are due by Friday, July 25, 2025. All fees will be processed and paid via PayPal.

• Parent/Guardian required to sign a Limited Liability Waiver, allowing their teen to participate. The purpose is to inform parents/guardians of the potential risks associated with the activity and to have them agree to release PSAA from liability for injuries or damages that may occur during participation. Signing of the waiver will be done over DocuSign, an electronic form link emailed to parents.